Planning a camping trip you’ll actually look forward to?
It’s one of those questions every outdoor enthusiast asks themselves…
Will your camping trips this summer be non-stop adventures that leave you exhausted? Or a chance to finally chill, but in a way that’s still engaging and fun?
Truth is, it’s rare to strike that balance on your own.
Most people either over-schedule their camping trips to the point of burnout, or they plan absolutely nothing and are bored after a day or two.
But what if there was a way to get the best of both worlds?
With 87.99 million North American campers expected to hit the trails in 2023, now is the perfect time to craft those memorable camping trips that leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and full of adventure.
Want to see how?
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Why a Good Balance Matters on Your Trip
- How to Plan Adventure Without Burnout
- How to Create Space for True Relaxation
- Packing Smart for Both Sides of the Coin
Why A Good Balance Matters On Your Trip
This is where most campers get it all wrong.
Think of a camping trip as either “super hardcore” or a complete waste of time.
The reality is a bit more nuanced.
The best camping trips are the ones that offer a healthy mix of adventure and relaxation.
Think about it:
If you’re hiking, fishing, kayaking from dawn till dusk, there’s no chance for your body to relax and recover.
You end up coming back home feeling depleted instead of restored.
On the other hand, if you’re completely stagnant, simply lounging around your campsite all weekend, you’ll miss out on the beauty of nature and crave some kind of adventure.
This brings restlessness instead of tranquility.
The key? A carefully curated combination of both.
Planning Adventure Without Burnout
How to get the most from your camping trips without wearing yourself out?
Simple. Less is more.
Aim for 1-2 main activities a day. This gives you the excitement you need without overloading your itinerary.
For those morning activities, consider ones that energize you:
- Early hiking when the temperature is cool
- Fishing when the fish are biting at sunrise
- Kayaking or canoeing in the morning when the waters are calmer
- Wildlife watching with a cup of coffee in the morning
Here’s the thing…
To plan for those adventures properly, you need the right gear to do them.
Without the essentials, those adventures just become stressors. Spending time in the wild can be unforgiving, so quality survival knives and camping essentials will prepare you for the contingencies of your camping trips.
For example, you’ll need firewood chopped down, food processed, and your gear put away. Essential survival gear will let you do this, as well as protect you from unexpected predicaments.
The goal is to choose activities that stretch you just a bit more but not to the point of completely overtiring yourself.
Creating Space For True Relaxation
This is one of those things people totally miss when they plan their camping trips…
Rest is not just the absence of activity.
You have to plan for it, block out time in your schedule specifically for downtime.
This is the best way to do it:
Force yourself to stop. Literally. Schedule specific time slots when you do nothing.
- Take an afternoon nap in your hammock
- Eat a leisurely lunch (or dinner), savoring each bite
- Block off the hours after dinner for no-hurry socializing around the campfire
- Make time for that slow morning coffee without rushing to leave
One of the best parts of camping (that everyone misses) is being unplugged.
Being out in nature has been proven to lower stress levels and let you relax genuinely. Nearly 70% of campers specifically crave a sense of calm and relaxation on their trips.
Stay away from your laptop. Shut down your cell phone.
Here’s why this is critical:
Constant connection to our workplaces and social media keeps our brains on high alert.
Disconnect out in nature. You’ll be amazed at how quickly being around trees and fresh air helps you drop the mental clutter.
The natural white noise of a campsite — the wind through the trees, the sound of a river nearby, the call of the birds — will instantly put your body into relaxation mode in a way no meditation app can.
Packing Smart For Both Sides
Here’s the big thing people often don’t realize when they plan their camping trips…
Your packing list directly impacts how much of both adventure and relaxation you can reasonably fit into your trip.
So what does it take?
Pack dual-purpose gear and supplies for both aspects of your camping trips. Plan for multipurpose items that can cross over.
Adventure requires:
- Good hiking boots and a backup pair
- Appropriate clothes for the weather
- Navigation equipment
- A first aid kit
- Water filtration
Relaxation, while it can be more minimal, should include:
- Comfortable camp chairs or hammocks
- A good book or journal (hardcopy not screen)
- Good sleeping gear for restful nights
- Games or cards for leisure downtime
- The ingredients for your favorite camping meals
One thing people rarely consider…
The quality of sleep will set your entire trip.
Poor sleep will ruin any adventure and make any relaxation time a chore. Restless sleep is also the thing that people remember the most, not the adventures.
Invest in a good sleeping pad, a sleeping bag that’s rated for the environment, and a sleeping bag liner.
Mixing Solo & Group Activities
One thing people rarely consider on camping trips…
Solo time and social time both matter when you consider adventure vs. relaxation.
If you’re camping with others, you have to build time for both group activities and solo time.
The best moments of camping trips I’ve ever had have all been shared adventures:
- Cooking food together
- Setting up a campsite together
- Chatting by a campfire after dinner
But equally important…
Don’t forget to make space for everyone’s need to recharge alone. Half an hour journaling at the lake or a solo walk by yourself will refresh you for the group socializing in a way that’ll make those times together so much better.
The Bottom Line On This
What camping trips give you is a chance to choose your own pace.
Will your camping trips be filled with adventure or peaceful relaxation or some combination of both?
The best campers are the ones who figure out what they want, how to plan their trips, and how to execute their ideas on the ground. With 11 million more households camping in 2024 compared to 2019, camping has become incredibly popular.
No one can tell you the “right way” to camp. The right way is what works for you and gives you a feeling of having accomplished something fun.
Maybe that’s pushing your physical limits.
Or maybe it’s finding your inner peace.
Maybe it’s finding that sweet spot in between both sides.
So now here’s my ask of you:
As you plan your next camping trip, try to find that right balance for you. Find one or two adventures that you actually look forward to and then plan a chunk of open space between activities for your downtime.
Pack smart. Have the right gear on hand. Set appropriate expectations. Go slow. Be flexible and adapt as needed.
At the end of the day, the best camping trips are not those with the most miles hiked or most photos taken.
They’re the trips where you found exactly what you needed, whether it’s more adventure or more relaxation.